Even for native audio system, English is a complicated written language with one million exceptions to each rule. Once you layer on the precise calls for of AP Model, utilized in {most professional} communications, issues can get downright maddening.

After years of enhancing each reporters and comms execs, these are among the mostly repeated AP Model errors I see day in and day trip. For those who’re making these errors, don’t beat your self up. These items is complicated. However right here’s do it by the ebook:

There’s often no Oxford comma in AP Model

For a easy sentence, like “PR Every day is the most effective, coolest and smartest useful resource,” there isn’t a comma earlier than the final merchandise within the listing. That’s correct AP Model. There are exceptions when sentences are extra difficult, which you’ll examine right here.

You’re capitalizing an excessive amount of

A job title is barely capitalized if it comes earlier than a reputation: Govt Editor Allison Carter, however Allison Carter is government editor. Likewise, departments are solely capitalized when a part of a proper title: The PR Every day Editorial Division, however simply the editorial division in a extra informal reference.

Additionally, whereas months and days of the week get capital letters, seasons don’t.

You’re overusing citation marks

Generally, use citation marks to cite the very same phrases another person used. That’s actually about it. It’s frequent to see citation marks put round extra colloquial phrases, or round a non-standard utilization like social media “likes.” You don’t want these. Learn extra about citation mark utilization right here.

You’re additionally underusing citation marks

AP Model actually doesn’t use italics in any respect; it’s a legacy from the olden days when it was really a wire and italics didn’t actually translate. So moderately than italicizing the titles of books, motion pictures or different compositions, use citation marks.

Numbers

Within the easiest phrases, numbers from one to 9 are spelled out utilizing phrases whereas numbers 10 and over get numerals. In apply, there are numerous exceptions, so go learn up on them right here.

State abbreviations

The names of all 50 U.S. states needs to be spelled out within the physique of tales, even when used together with a metropolis or city title.

The one exceptions for utilizing abbreviations are should you’re utilizing a dateline, should you’re figuring out a politician (R-Ind., for instance) or in a listing. In that case, keep in mind that you need to be utilizing the AP state abbreviations, that are completely different from postal abbreviations. Discover the complete listing right here.

What AP fashion errors do you see probably the most? Tweet us @PRDaily!

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